Tarrant County Probate Records

Tarrant County probate records refer to legal documents that detail the settlement of a decedent's estate within the county. These documents, such as wills, letters of administration, affidavits, and estate inventories, primarily help to determine the heirs of a deceased person's property or estate, thereby minimizing disputes among heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, and other interested parties.

However, the significance of Tarrant County probate records extends beyond legal dispute resolution. For example, much like Tarrant County court records, one can look up probate records when conducting genealogical or historical research. Examining relevant probate documents can uncover valuable information about their family's history, such as their ancestors' names and birth and death dates.

In Tarrant County, probate (the legal process necessary to distribute a deceased’s estate) is typically required when a decedent's estate has no automatic beneficiary or co-owner. Per Section 205.001 of the Texas Estate Code, probate is also required when the estate’s value is above $75,000 (excluding homestead property).

Are Probate Records Public?

Yes. Per the Texas Courts' open records policy, documents in the custody of the probate courts are available for inspection and copying by interested members of the public.

However, specific probate records may be excluded from public viewing or duplication due to an existing law or court order. For example, the following records are generally withheld from members of the public, even though they may be included in a probate court file:

• Personal financial information
• Minors' information
• Capacity declarations
• Medical information
• Social Security numbers
• Driver's license numbers
• Estate inventories and accountings
• Credit reports

Confidential probate records are generally provided only to authorized individuals, such as the case parties, designated judicial and legal officers, and persons explicitly granted access via a court order.

What is Probate Court in Tarrant County?

Tarrant County probate courts handle proceedings related to administering and distributing a decedent's estate. Specifically, the functions of a probate court in Tarrant County include:

• Probating the wills of decedents (i.e., will execution)
• Handling matters pertaining to inter vivos, testamentary, and charitable trusts
• Supervising the administration of the estates of minors, deceased, and incapacitated persons (which includes transferring assets to eligible entities and paying off debts, taxes, and other expenses accrued by the decedent)
• Handling civil mental health commitments
• Establishing guardianships for minors and conservatorships for incapacitated persons
• Hearing matters brought by or against the personal representative of a decedent's estate

There are two probate courts in Tarrant County, and their physical addresses are outlined below:

Probate Court 1 — Tarrant County Old Courthouse
100 West Weatherford Street
Room 260A
Fort Worth, Texas 76196
Phone: (817) 884-1200

Probate Court 2 — Tarrant County Old Courthouse
100 West Weatherford Street
Room 150
Fort Worth, Texas 76196
Phone: (817) 884-1415

Probate Court Case Lookup

Probate court documents in Tarrant County are kept in the custody of the Tarrant County probate clerks. Consequently, interested parties can conduct a probate court case lookup within the county by querying the court clerks during regular business hours at the location below:

100 West Weatherford Street
Room 233
Fort Worth, Texas 76196
Phone: (817) 884-1770

To guarantee a precise search, requesters typically need to provide specific information about the sought-after record, such as the case number, party name(s), or file date. For information on obtaining copies of probate documents, individuals are directed to call (817) 884-1069 during regular business hours.

To obtain probate case information, one may also explore the Probate Court Public Browse portal. Upon accessing the site, interested parties should take these steps:

• Select "Case Records Search".
• Choose the preferred search criteria from the "Search By" drop-down menu (the options are case, party, attorney, or date filed)
• Fill in the necessary fields.
• Select "Search".

Each online case search reveals an overview of a probate case, including party information, case events, and court orders.

How to Find Probate Records Online Free

Tarrant County probate court records can be viewed at no cost on the Probate Court Public Browse portal discussed above. However, individuals will need to pay a fee to make copies or obtain a certified copy of a probate court record.

How Long Does Probate Take in Texas

There is no definite duration for probating an estate in Texas, as the specific timeline can vary based on multiple factors, such as:

• The presence of a will
• Whether the will is being contested
• The complexity of an estate
• The efficiency of the executor
• Court schedules and backlogs

Individuals can expedite the probate process by leveraging certain legal approaches, such as filing for a small estate affidavit or probating the estate as a Muniment of Title, where applicable.

Are Wills Public Record?

Yes. Wills become public records once submitted, filed, or admitted for a probate proceeding in Tarrant County. Consequently, anyone can access such documents by querying the appropriate official record custodian—the Tarrant County Clerk's Civil Division - Probate Clerks.

How to Find Out If Someone Has a Will

To determine whether a person has a will in Tarrant County, individuals can direct their queries to the Tarrant County probate court (if the decedent last resided in the county).

The public can access wills probated in Tarrant County by contacting or visiting the County Clerk's Office. Interested parties can also call the office at (817) 884-1069 for information on obtaining copies of wills. However, while wills can be filed for safekeeping at the County Clerk's Probate Office at 100 West Weatherford Street, Room B90, Fort Worth, Texas 76196, such documents are not publicly disseminated.

Alternatively, one can approach a decedent's estate executor to request access to a will.

Note that the wills of living testators are not subject to public disclosure. Such wills can only be accessed with a testator or court's permission.

Tarrant County Family Court Case Search

Family court matters are handled by the various district courts in Tarrant County. Consequently, individuals can search for a Tarrant County family court case through the Tarrant County District Clerk's Office. They can physically visit the district courthouse at 200 East Weatherford Street, Fort Worth, Texas, to conduct a free document lookup or have the clerk perform a basic records search for $5. Advanced record searches are also available at the district court clerk's office.

Alternatively, individuals can view case file information online using a web-based service hosted on the district clerk's office website. This program offers subscribers remote access to Tarrant County family court case information from any location using an internet connection. User access is available 23 hours daily, and a non-refundable $50 processing fee and a monthly $35 fee for 1-5 users apply to access the service.

Confidential family court case information is not available for inspection or copying unless the requester is legally authorized.